We displayed the names of the 86 detainees cleared for release years ago, yet still imprisoned. Many are on hunger strike, the only means they have to get the American government to notice their plight and let them go.

We condemned the force-feeding of the detainees who are on hunger strike.

We demanded that Pres. Obama stop

wringing his hands, go over Congress' head and close Gitmo.

In obedience to the Light Within, I follow the example of Friends who supported their imprisoned brothers and sisters in 17th-century England, who have long worked to improve prison conditions (even for those convicted of grievous crimes), who helped slaves escape to freedom, who were part of feminism's First Wave, and who currently assist vets in obtaining the medical benefits they so desperately need.

I affirm that those whose legal and human rights are being violated have the right to protest nonviolently, even if the only way they can do so is by fasting.I denounce force-feeding as torture and deplore the pain and suffering inflicted on them.

I march, clothed as the detainees were clothed when they first arrived at Gitmo, because they cannot march. Their fast is their voice, my footsteps are mine.

However, when all all is said and done, I was just there for decoration. My friend and fellow Quaker Megan really lived her conviction and joined those who chose to risk arrest and were indeed arrested. Not sure I'll ever have that sort of courage. She stood before the the White House fence radiating a quiet, assured, loving peacefulness. A real example of what it means to live the Peace Testimony.

Unfortunately for the cause of those subjected to torture and solitary confinement (but fortunately for gays who have also been awaiting justice), the Supreme Court chose the same day to hand down its momentous decisions. This had two consequences for our group of protesters. First, we didn't get much press coverage. Second, I think the absence of recognizable journalists emboldened the police to use more severe tactics. For instance, I saw them force an elderly, nonviolent vet to lie face-down in the street while they handcuffed him.